Iran’s army has warned that the conflict in the Middle East could expand further if the United States launches additional attacks on the Islamic Republic, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week.
Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia issued the warning during an interview with Iranian state television on Sunday, July 26, saying any renewed US military action would widen the geographical scope of the conflict.
“I believe that if the Americans once again fall for the Zionists’ deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through air strikes, geographically this will expand further,” he said.
Akraminia claimed the conflict had already spread to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea, referring to the recent escalation involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. “The scope of our operations now encompasses the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to the countries along the Persian Gulf,” he said.
He added that the United States now faced an increasingly unstable security environment in the Middle East and suggested Washington was reassessing its approach. “The situation in the Middle East for the United States is difficult and unsettled,” he said, adding that the US was looking “for a new strategy.” “We are prepared for each of the options and scenarios that appear likely.” The comments come ahead of Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, Netanyahu will depart for Washington on Monday before meeting Trump and attending the funeral service of Senator Lindsey Graham, whom the statement described as “a friend of Israel.” Since Trump’s return to office last year, the two leaders have met six times, most recently in Washington on February 11.
While Trump and Netanyahu initially presented a united front following the launch of military operations against Iran in late February, reports suggest differences have since emerged over whether to continue military action or pursue diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu has previously described Trump as “the greatest friend” Israel has ever had in the White House. Earlier this month, Trump also spoke about their relationship during an interview with Axios. “We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is,” Trump said.
Relations between the two leaders reportedly came under strain during ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran in April. The ceasefire has since collapsed.